GAUTENG. – About 3200 Crime Prevention Wardens (CPW) are expected to hit the ground running following a pass-out parade that was carried out on Sunday, 30 April in Tshwane.
The CPW initiative was established as a way to augment the crime-fighting efforts of law enforcement officers across Gauteng whilst tackling the issue of youth unemployment. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said a commitment made to fight crime lawlessness and vandalism in the province became an apex priority for the provincial government.
The deployment of CPWs in hotspot areas forms part of targeted crime prevention operations to deter and detect criminal activities and leave no space for criminals to operate. These interventions contribute to the reduction of serious crimes. The wardens will be deployed to various wards in Gauteng.
Lesufi says: “This rigorous process produced 6 000 dynamic and physically adept young people, who have undergone intensive training over the last three months. Today is the culmination of that training and the deployment of these wardens to the various hotspot areas in Gauteng, which include townships, informal settlements, and hostels to ensure the safety and security of residents in the province.”
Lesufi said staring on Starting on 1 May 2023, the first cohort, consisting of 3 200 wardens, will begin patrolling the streets, while the second cohort, is scheduled to complete their programme at the end of May.”
Lesufi adds that the CPWs will strengthen the existing law enforcement officials in the fight against crime at the ward level.
“They will use e-Policing solutions such as drones and helicopters to eliminate criminal elements in the various Gauteng communities. If we are to fight crime in our province successfully, we as a government must do it with others.
“We need a multi-sectoral says a multi-sectoral approach that includes police, the private sector as well as members of the community. We urge members of the community to report all elements of crime. By working together, we can ensure safe and secure communities for all,” he said.
